What if a United States citizen marries abroad?
• A: If a U.S. citizen marries an alien abroad, an I-130 petition must be filed after the marriage to begin the immigration process for the alien spouse. This can be filed either with the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (previously INS) in the United States, or, under certain circumstances, at U.S. Embassies or Consulates abroad. U.S. Embassies and Consulates have differing policies on approving I-130s and should be individually contacted about the availability of this service. Many posts have their own web pages that include this information. Prior to departure from this country, the U.S. citizen should contact the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (previously INS) or appropriate foreign service post to ascertain exactly what documents will be necessary to file the immigrant petition for a new spouse. For more information about this option, see the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ brochure Tips for U.S. Visas: Family-Based Immigrants. For more information on how
